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Planning director briefs board on proposed 'Zone 0' defensible‑space rules; funding and enforcement questions remain
Summary
The planning director updated the board on statewide 'Zone 0' rulemaking tied to AB 3074, SB 504 and related actions: new construction would have immediate requirements and existing homes face phased compliance (up to five years). Staff flagged limited clarity on funding and local discretion on phasing and enforcement; Cal Fire offers education and limited grants.
Planning Director Tracy Ferguson presented an informational briefing on draft 'Zone 0' defensible‑space regulations under development by the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection in response to Assembly Bill 3074, Senate Bill 504, AB 1455 and the governor’s executive order. Ferguson said the draft regulatory text (04/23/2026 version) would apply in State Responsibility Areas (SRA) and in very‑high hazard LRA zones; new construction would be subject to Zone 0 requirements immediately, while existing homes would be phased in over a multi‑year period (three‑to‑five years was discussed).
Ferguson described typical Zone 0 elements—rules about the first five feet from a structure (noncombustible materials, fuel removal), limits on storage and wood against siding, distances from chimneys and stovepipes, and tree/vegetation management rules. She emphasized implementation detail remains in the draft rule text and that local jurisdictions will need to coordinate education and outreach. Board members asked whether funding will be available; Ferguson said she had not seen specific statewide funding allocations but noted Cal Fire grant programs and assessment/funding possibilities are being discussed at the state level. Cal Fire and Fire Safe Council representatives encouraged early local outreach and assessments to help homeowners comply affordably.
Supervisors asked about discretion, enforcement and the potential for deed restrictions or permitting impacts; Ferguson said local jurisdictions might have some discretion on phasing and that staff will return with more detailed implementation options, including education, grant pursuit, and possible county‑level actions to reduce hardship for low‑income homeowners. The Board directed staff to monitor the rulemaking, update the public backup materials with the draft rule text and links, and explore partnerships (Fire Safe Council, CAL FIRE) for outreach and assistance.
